Zille slams Kiviet and Ncitha: Daily Dispatch

EASTERN Cape politicians were at the receiving end of a stinging rebuke from DA leader Helen Zille, who brought her election campaign to the ANC’s heartland.

The opposition leader addressed two rallies in Buffalo City yesterday – and, in Xhosa, shared her thoughts on the provincial administration.

“What a terrible government you have here in the Eastern Cape.

“All the great leaders of this country are from this province but that does not show because of corruption,” Zille told a cheering crowd at Needs Camp in East London.

“You need to use your vote and vote premier Noxolo Kiviet and [Buffalo City Metro] mayor Zukiswa Ncitha out of office. Kiviet was been adjudged to be the worst performing premier in the country, based on a presidency report.”

Zille started her day with a fundraising breakfast at the Osner Hotel followed by two community meetings in Needs Camp and Sweetwaters Hall in King William’s Town.

At Needs Camp, she was welcomed by more than 600 people all in DA regalia, chanting her name and that of the party.

At Sweetwaters, Zille was welcomed by more than 1 000 people, who braved the rain.

“You need to choose your leaders carefully. How can a mayor just spend more than R880 000 on trips that are not even on her official diary?” she said.

She also lashed out at BCM municipal manager Andile Fani, who has been named in a housing tender investigation.

President Jacob Zuma and the ANC did not escape a tongue-lashing either, with Zille calling for the ruling party to be voted out.

“How could you say you didn’t know when a kraal, swimming pool and chicken run were built in your house? All these are worth millions of rands. Zuma’s cattle and chickens live in better places than you.”

Both venues had a heavy police presence, with more than 40 police stationed outside Needs Camp Hall and about 30 officers outside the Sweetwaters venue at Needs Camp DA chairman Victor Pato said he joined the DA after being an ANC member for years.

“It is now 20 years since democracy, but people of this area are still living in dire poverty. Some still don’t have running water, whilst some still stay in shacks,” Pato said.

Trollip, who spoke before Zille, acknowledged traditional leaders in the area. “We need to respect our traditional leaders. Political parties must not abuse traditional leaders.”

He acknowledged the role played by the ruling party, but warned that they must not be complacent.

“All political parties contributed to the country that we have today. Come election time, vote for people who are truthful not corrupt leaders.” —